Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

• 

  Perfect Except for Drivers Seat - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Gene - July 4 - 10:40 am

  Owned for about a month, over 2000 miles so far. No problems. Wonderful balance of practicality and performance, economy and fun. Also impressed with IIHSs perfect crash test scores. I throughly enjoy driving this car. Marvelous automatic transmission. Even under hard acceleration, I can barely feel it shifting gears. My only gripe - this is the most uncomfortable drivers seat Ive ever sat in. Headrest juts too far forward. Luckily, an 07 Accord headrest also fits into the the slots. For $90.00, that problems fixed. Lower lumbar also juts too far forward, making for a painful back after a day of running errands around town. A towel shoved down into the seat fixed that problem.

• 

  I Like My 09 CRV LX - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - July 4 - 10:15 am

  We have four Hondas (one an 08 CRV) in the family, so sold on reliability. It came down between the CRV and Hyundai Santa Fe. I really liked the Santa Fe for the money, but I drive cars 10-15 years, and felt better about Hondas long term reliability. I have not noticed the road noise problem I have read about. The CRV is fun to drive, and does very well on the interstate. I like the maintenance minder, mpg display, etc. The ride and seats are a little firmer than I like (67 yrs old), but not that uncomfortable. My only problem was "rail rust" in the paint on top. I used a clay bar to help remove it. I do not understand why the top cant be covered in transit. So far, very satisfied.

• 

  Great Car - Great Value - 1994 Honda Accord
  By glenn smith - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I have over 230000 miles on my Accord and still going...

• 

  happy owner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By alleygirl - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the ease of the size for in and out of traffic. Once removed the middle headrest, external viewing is fine. Bad weather handling great. Like the sleek look and have had many people comment on the interior size. So roomy. Love the freedom on space up front with the fold down center console. Feel comfortable traveling long trips. Gas mileage is normal range.

• 

  CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Ronbo - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. Well designed and excellent engine. Not a single problem the first 1000 miles. Perfect SUV for my wife. Easy to drive and very safe.

• 

  they could have done a better job - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Jen_wei - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the CR-V for about 10 days...its a 4-WD EX. The design is great and its real comfortable. The only thing that bothers me is the fact the the brakes are already making weird cracking noises when Im driving. Ive taken the car to the dealership a couple of times and they couldnt find anything wrong with it. Other than that, the drive is kind of nosy + the audio system isnt too great. I had a 2000 CIVIC b4 switching to the CR-V and now I think the CIVIC was probably a better buy.

• 

  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By frank2003 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  My new Pilot definitely lives upto its hypes that I heard of in the News & Views. Heated front seats and some price reduction would be nice!

• 

  4th HONDA EX - 2002 Honda Accord
  By ernestb - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I just wanted to express my happiness of yet another honda purchase. I traded in the 1999 LX and got the EX this time. I think the new styles look like a toyota and the fact I got the 1250 rebate as well as 4.75% for 60 months. I have no regrets, I got the green this time, last time I had the huntermist. Go snatch your honda before its too late!

• 

  Great Car, Get the V6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Alpha Phi 34 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car, has an amazingly smooth and quiet ride but still has alot of power and ok acceleration. The best interior design of its class. Great audio system. Fun to drive. Classy looks.

• 

  Fit Flaws - 2007 Honda Fit
  By SportFit - July 4 - 1:05 am

  Its all wrong ! The transmission setup is really awful. The gearing ratio into first gear and second result in a noticeable hesitation as the computer tries to match up with the short gear and the computer fuel delivery system. These tiny engine/trans crammed into a tiny space dont leave much room for clutch travel. Whereby we have a short time to ease the clutch out and get moving. The feel is not really smooth at all, and I have always enjoyed sticks. But in this car, get the auto and spare yourself the grief. This car even chatters backing up a hill. I am sorry I bought mine, its very peppy and looks racy and cute, but I cant get comfortable with the transmission.